Sacramental preparation

There is no specific year for students to make First Reconciliation and
First Communion in the St. Mary's curriculum; it depends on the student.
Some lower-functioning students are older when they begin the program,
and they can receive the sacraments the first year if they grasp the concepts
involved. On the other hand, it makes sense for higher-functioning
students to receive the sacraments at the same age as their
typically-developing peers.

Social Stories

Sacramental preparation is done through a series of social stories. Social
stories are a concept first developed by Carol Gray of the Jenison, Michigan
school district for teaching understanding of social situations to students with
autism. The stories are read on a schedule throughout the year in which the
students will receive the Sacraments. Students also practice receiving
unconsecrated host, as many need to get used to the taste and texture.